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About

Young Champions of the Earth

Invent the future

Are you a change-maker, rain-maker, ground-breaker? Do you see opportunity, where others see crisis? Do you want to change the world? Young Champions of the Earth aims to celebrate and support individuals aged between 18 and 30 who have outstanding potential to create a positive environmental impact.

Lead a new wave

With this change comes unprecedented opportunity to take action. For brave entrepreneurs and trend-setting role-models to carve their place in a new and greener economy; to pioneer revolutionary technology and radical innovations - to lead a new wave of green careers.

We're searching for you!

In 2019, seven young people – selected from every global region – will be named Young Champions of the Earth. These winners receive seed funding, intensive training, and tailored mentorship to bring their big environmental ideas to life. We’re looking for the artists, scientists, economists, communicators and entrepreneurs from all walks of life with big, bold ideas— for the environment, for humanity, for a greener future.

Whose big idea will change the world?

Following an open call for applications, UN experts will short-list World Finalists from every region. A Global Jury will then select the seven 2019 winners. Each winner will be expected to implement their big idea and keep us updated on their progress by producing videos and blogs that we will share on our website. In parallel, up to 50 of the most promising applicants will be granted privileged access to an expert community of Covestro mentors. They will offer insights on topics ranging from communications and business development to project planning and financial management.

What do the Young Champions receive?

The Prize

In 2019, seven Young Champions of the Earth will be selected from each global region: one from each of Africa, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, North America, West Asia, and two from Asia and the Pacific. Each winner will receive the following:

US$15,000 in seed funding;

US$ 9,000 in funding to communicate and capture your idea and broadcast the stories of hope and change that you’re catalyzing on the ground.

Attendance at a high-level UN meeting;

An introduction to dignitaries at the Champions of the Earth Award Ceremony;

Publicity and recognition through interviews and online and global media;

Access to a community of Covestro experts offering insights and mentoring; and

Participation in an entrepreneurial training program.

The 2019 Young Champions will be required to share their journeys through blogs and vlogs posted on this website for a period of up to one year.

Mentorship

More than just an honorary title, Young Champions of the Earth Prize aims to nurture the next generation of environmental leaders. Up to 50 applicants who clearly articulate their skills requirements and demonstrate a strong willingness to learn will be granted privileged access to mentoring opportunities. They will be able to seek technical guidance and professional advice from a broad community of experts drawn from Covestro’s 16,000 global staff members. These mentors will share their experience through webinars, thematic online roundtables and individual support.

Topics of strategic relevance such as communications, project planning and financial management, will be explored in depth with the aim of strengthening the viability and impact of mentees’ ventures.

Are you ready to rise up?

If you have a bright vision for the future of our planet, perhaps you could become a Young Champion of the Earth!

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About us

The United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment.

UN Environment’s work includes assessing global, regional and national environmental conditions and trends; developing international and national environmental instruments; and strengthening institutions for the wise management of the environment.

UN Environment’s mission is to provide leadership and encourage partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing, and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations.

As one of the world’s leading manufacturers of premium polymers, Covestro has a key position in the value chain of many industries, including auto manufacturing, construction, electronics, and wood processing. Covestro likes to use this position to push sustainability and innovation further together with our workforce of 16,000 employees, customers, partners and young talents around the world.

Sustainable thinking and acting is imperative to preserve the planet and improve the quality and safety of the lives of millions. Covestro contributes to this goal with products and technologies that benefit society and reduce the impact on the environment. The company has set ambitious targets for 2025 and across its global network of 30 sites.

The “People, Planet, Prosperity” principle is one of the pillars of Covestro’s approach to sustainable development. The company strives to mitigate the negative impact of its actions on the environment, advance society and at the same time create value. This is the basis of the company’s vision “To make the world a brighter place” and its commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Our Partners

CoalitionWILD galvanizes, connects, and equips the world’s young change makers to tackle our planet’s greatest conservation and sustainability challenges. The organization works to elevate and drive forward innovative and inspiring projects by offering the connections, opportunities and tools to do so. CoalitionWILD envisions a world where new generations are continuously energized, empowered and equipped to find and implement ways for people and nature to thrive together; where young people have a voice for change and the tools available to make it happen. CoalitionWILD is supporting Young Champions of the Earth through the provision of mentoring, monitoring and evaluation support.

The DO School inspires you to get things DOne. To seize new opportunities, to solve important problems. Our society and business models are changing fast. We equip you to shape what comes next. At the DO School, you become a DOer. DOers clarify new ideas, and bring them to life quickly as new products, processes and services. DOers inspire seismic cultural shifts that transform people, organisations and society. DOers are purposeful: they create not just better business but a better world – for everyone. The DO School is supporting Young Champions of the Earth initiative by facilitating the mentoring programme.